Electronic converter and related method of operating an electronic converter

ABSTRACT

An electronic converter comprising an input comprising two terminals for receiving a first power signal, and an output comprising two terminals for providing a second power signal. On the primary side, the converter comprises a half-bridge, a transformer and a first capacitor. Specifically, the first capacitor and the primary winding of the transformer are connected in series between the intermediate point of the half-bridge and an input terminal. On the secondary side, the converter comprises a diode, a second capacitor and an inductor. The second capacitor and the secondary winding of the transformer are connected in series between the cathode and anode of the diode, and the inductor and the output are connected in series between the cathode and the anode of the diode. The electronic converter comprises a third capacitor and at least one electronic switch adapted to selectively connect the third capacitor in parallel with the second capacitor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a national stage entry according to 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT application No.: PCT/IB2016/056307 filed on Oct. 20, 2016, which claims priority from Italian Patent Application Serial No.: 102015000065013 which was filed Oct. 23, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The description relates to electronic converters.

BACKGROUND

Electronic converters for light sources comprising e.g. at least one LED (Light Emitting Diode) or other solid-state lighting means, may offer a direct current output. Such current may be steady or vary in time, e.g. in order to adjust the brightness emitted by the light source (so-called dimming function).

FIG. 1 shows a possible lighting arrangement comprising an electronic converter 10 and a lighting module 20 including, e.g., at least one LED L.

For instance, FIG. 2 shows an example of a lighting module 20 comprising e.g. a LED chain, i.e. a plurality of LEDs connected in series. As an example, FIG. 2 shows four LEDs L₁, L₂, L₃ and L₄.

Electronic converter 10 usually comprises a control circuit 102 and a power circuit 12 (e.g. an AC/DC or DC/DC switching supply) which receives at an input a power signal (e.g. from the mains) and provides at an output, via a power output 106, a direct current. Such a current may be steady or vary in time. E.g., control circuit 102 may set, via a reference channel I_(ref) of power circuit 12, the current required by LED module 20.

For example, such a reference channel I_(ref) may be used for adjusting the brightness of the light emitted by lighting module 20. As a matter of fact, in general terms, a regulation of the light brightness emitted by LED module 20 may be achieved by regulating the average current flowing through the lighting module, for example by setting a lower reference current I_(ref) or by switching on or off power circuit 12 through a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, typically at a frequency of 100 to 500 Hz.

Generally speaking, there are many types of electronic converters, which are mainly divided into insulated and non-insulated converters. For example, among the non-insulated electronic converters we may name “buck”, “boost”, “buck-boost”, “Cuk”, “SEPIC” and “ZETA” converters. Insulated converters are e.g. “flyback”, “forward” converters.

For example, FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of a half-bridge converter 12 operating as a DC/DC converter. An input AC current may be converted into a direct current via a rectifier, e.g. a diode-bridge rectifier, and optionally a filter capacitor.

In the presently considered example, converter 12 receives at input, via two input terminals 110/GND₁, a voltage V_(in) and provides at output, via two output terminals 106, a regulated voltage V_(o) or preferably a regulated current i_(o).

In the presently considered example, a load R₀ is connected with said output 106, and it may consist in the previously described lighting module 20.

Converter 12 moreover includes a half-bridge, i.e. two electronic switches S₁ and S₂ which are connected (typically directly) in series between both input terminals 110/GND₁, wherein the switching of electronic switches S₁ and S₂ is driven by a control unit 112. For example, in the embodiment such electronic switches S₁ and S₂ are N-MOS transistors or n-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). Such switches S₁ and S₂ may have respective capacitances C_(A1), C_(A2) and respective diodes D_(A1), D_(A2) connected therewith in parallel.

Typically, control unit 112 is configured for switching switches S₁ and S₂ alternatively, i.e. only one of both switches S₁ and S₂ is closed at a given time. Generally speaking, there may be also provided intermediate intervals during which neither switch S₁ or S₂ is closed. For this reason, control unit 112 is typically configured for driving switches S₁ and S₂ of half bridge S₁/S₂ with the following phases, which are repeated periodically:

-   -   during a first time interval Δt1 switch S₁ is closed and switch         S₂ is opened;     -   during a second time interval Δt2 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is opened;     -   during a third time interval Δt3 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is closed;     -   during a fourth time interval Δt4 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is opened.

In the presently considered example, converter 12 moreover comprises a transformer T including a primary winding T1 and a secondary winding T2. Specifically, transformer T may be modelled as an ideal transformer having a given ratio of the number of turns 1:n, an inductor L_(M) which represents the magnetising induction of transformer T, and an inductor L_(R) which represents the leakage inductance, which are shown in FIG. 3 on the primary side of transformer T.

In the presently considered example, primary winding T1 of transformer T and at least one capacitor C_(RP) are connected in series between the intermediate point between both switches S₁ and S₂ and the first input terminal 110 (positive terminal) and/or the second input terminal GND₁ (a negative terminal representing a first ground). Specifically, in the presently considered example, the first terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T is connected (e.g. directly) to the intermediate point between both electronic switches S₁ and S₂. On the other hand, the second terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T is connected, via at least one capacitor C_(RP), to the first input terminal 110 and/or to ground GND. Therefore, switches S₁ and S₂ may be used for selectively connecting the first terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T to voltage V_(in) or to ground GND₁, thereby controlling the current flowing through primary winding T1 of transformer T.

On the secondary side T2 of transformer T, converter 12 comprises a rectifying circuit configured for converting the alternated current (AC) supplied by secondary winding T2 into a direct current (DC), and a filter circuit stabilizing the signal supplied by the rectifying circuit, so that output voltage V_(o) and/or output current i_(o) are more stable.

Specifically, in the presently considered example, the converter comprises, on the secondary side of transformer T, three branches which are connected in parallel, wherein:

a) the first branch comprises a first capacitor C_(RS) connected in series with secondary winding T2 of transformer T,

b) a second branch, comprising a diode D, and

c) a third branch, comprising a second capacitor C_(o) connected in series with an inductor L_(o), wherein output 106 is connected in parallel with second capacitor C_(o).

For example, a first terminal of secondary winding T2 may be connected (e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D, and the second terminal of secondary winding T2 is connected (e.g. directly) via capacitor C_(RS) to the anode of diode D. Moreover, a first terminal of inductor L_(o) may be connected (e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D, and the second terminal of inductor L_(o) may be connected (e.g. directly) via capacitor C_(o) to the anode of diode D (which therefore represents a second ground GND₂). The converter is asymmetrical because the on-times of S₁ and S₂ are typically different and mainly depend on the output voltage.

The converter shown in FIG. 3 offers the advantage that such a converter may be driven so that switches S₁ and S₂ are switched at zero voltage (Zero Voltage Switching, ZVS) and diode D is switched at zero current (Zero Current Switching, ZCS), achieving a so-called soft switching. Substantially, the ZVS and ZCS conditions may be achieved by correctly sizing the resonant components of the converter (i.e. inductances and capacitances).

Specifically, as previously stated, there are typically provided intermediate switching intervals, wherein neither switch S₁ or S₂ is closed. During such time intervals, the current on primary side of transformer T1 should charge and discharge capacitances C_(A1) and C_(A2) associated with switches S₁ and S₂, so that switches S₁ and S₂ may be closed in the following phase of zero voltage switching.

For example, details about the operation and the possible sizing of the circuit shown in FIG. 3 are described in document PCT/IB2014/064657, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

However, when the converter is used for driving a LED chain, or when the converter is used as a current generator (i.e. with current control), output voltage V_(o) depends on the number of LEDs L which are connected in series, i.e. voltage V_(o) should substantially correspond to the sum of the forward voltages of LEDs L. Therefore, the converter should be able to supply different output voltages, in order to support a variable number of LEDs. For example, the ratio between the minimum and maximum voltage capability is normally required to amount to three. Moreover, control unit 112 is often configured for regulating the supplied current i_(o) to a desired value, which may also be variable (see I_(ref) in FIGS. 1 and 3), e.g. for implementing a dimming function.

Therefore, converter 12 should be sized so that it may handle various operating conditions, specifically as regards voltage and current variations.

However, this often implies that the converter is no longer able to guarantee a zero voltage switching of switches S₁ and S₂ and/or a zero current switching of diode D for all operating conditions.

Specifically, transformer T (magnetizing inductance L_(M) and optional inductors connected in parallel with the primary and/or secondary windings) is typically sized in such a way as to ensure a correct ZVS for switches S₁/S₂ and a correct ZCS for diode D, and simultaneously to achieve a desired efficiency in all operating conditions.

In this case, current I_(P) flowing through primary side T1 of transformer T charges and discharges capacitors C_(A1) and C_(A2), when neither switch S₁ or S₂ is closed, thereby creating the ZVS condition for switches S₁ and S₂.

The other components are sized in such a way as to ensure a correct resonance condition within the switching cycle.

In this situation, the inventors have observed that at low output voltages the ratio between the on-times of S₁ to S₂ reaches the lowest values. Specifically, the on-time of switch S₂ must be sufficiently long as to subsequently enable the ZVS condition for closing switch S₁, because the current flowing through switch S₂ should become positive.

However, in this case the current flowing through diode D shows a higher oscillation. In this case, therefore, the opening of switch S₂ may cause the loss of the ZCS condition on diode D.

SUMMARY

The present description aims at providing solutions adapted to overcome one or more of the previously outlined drawbacks.

According to various embodiments, said object is achieved thanks to an electronic converter having the features set forth in the claims that follow. The embodiments also refer to a related method of operating an electronic half-bridge converter.

The claims are an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein with reference to the invention.

As previously stated, the present description relates to an electronic converter adapted to operate with different operating conditions, i.e. with different required output currents and voltages.

Specifically, the inventors have observed that the operating interval of an electronic converter may be improved through an electronic converter which may adapt the values of the equivalent resonant components as a function of the operating conditions thereof (i.e. the required output current and/or voltage).

In various embodiments, the electronic converter comprises an input with two terminals, for receiving a first power signal, and an output with two terminals, for providing a second power signal.

In various embodiments, the converter comprises a half-bridge including two electronic switches connected in series between both input terminals, and a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding. In various embodiments, the first capacitor and the primary winding are connected in series between the intermediate point of the half-bridge and at least one of both input terminals.

In various embodiments, the converter comprises, on the secondary side, three branches which are connected in parallel. Specifically, the first branch comprises a diode. The second branch comprises a second capacitor, wherein the second capacitor and the secondary winding are connected in series between the cathode and the anode of the diode. The third branch comprises and inductor and the output connected in series between the cathode and the anode of the diode. Preferably, a third capacitor is connected in parallel with the output. Such third capacitor is optional and may be used e.g. in case of a resistive load in order to keep output voltage constant, but in the case of a LED load the voltage of the load is constrained by the LED voltage itself, and therefore the capacitor may be omitted.

In various embodiments, the electronic converter also comprises a fourth capacitor and at least one electronic switch, adapted to selectively connect the fourth capacitor in parallel with the second capacitor, thereby varying the resonance period of the electronic converter.

For example, in various embodiments, it is possible to resort to a third electronic switch, such as e.g. a diode, which is closed when the voltage across the fourth capacitor exceeds the voltage across the second capacitor. The converter may also comprise a fourth electronic switch, such as e.g. a diode, which is closed when voltage across the second capacitor exceeds the sum of the voltage across the fourth capacitor and the output voltage, i.e. the voltage at the third capacitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the following description, various embodiments described with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 have already been described in the foregoing,

FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of an electronic converter adapted to adjust its resonant components;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show details of the operation of the converter in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of an electronic converter adapted to adjust its resonant components;

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of an electronic converter adapted to adjust its resonant components without active switches; and

FIGS. 8 to 10 show details of the operation of the converter in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. The embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the possible appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and therefore do not interpret the extent of protection or scope of the embodiments.

In the following FIGS. 4 to 10, the parts, elements or components which have already been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted with the same references previously used in such Figures; the description of such previously described elements will not be repeated in the following, so as not to overburden the present detailed description.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the present description relates to an electronic converter 12 adapted to operate in different operating conditions, i.e. with different output currents and voltages.

Specifically, the inventors have observed that the operating range of an electronic converter may be improved through an electronic converter adapted to adjust the values of the equivalent resonant components as a function of the operating conditions thereof (i.e. output current and/or voltage).

FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of an electronic converter 12 according to the present description, which is substantially based on the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 3.

In this case, as well, converter 12 receives at input, via two input terminals 110/GND₁, a voltage V_(in), and provides at output, via two output terminals 106, a regulated voltage V_(o) or preferably a regulated current i_(o).

In the presently considered embodiment, a load R₀ is connected to said output 106, which may be e.g. the lighting module 20 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Converter 12 moreover comprises a half-bridge, i.e. two electronic switches S₁ and S₂ which are connected in series between both input terminals 110/GND₁, wherein the switching of electronic switches S₁ and S₂ is driven by a control unit 112. For example, control unit 112 may be an analogue and/or a digital circuit, e.g. a micro-processor which is programmed via a software code. For example, in various embodiments, control unit 112 is configured for driving switches as a function of output current i_(o), e.g. in order to regulate output current i_(o) to a desired (average) value, e.g. I_(ref), provided by circuit 102.

In various embodiments, electronic switches S₁ and S₂ are N-MOS transistors, in particular n-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). Such switches S₁ and S₂ may have respective capacitances C_(A1), C_(A2) and respective diodes D_(A1), D_(A2) connected in parallel therewith. For example, capacitances C_(A1) and C_(A2) may represent the intrinsic capacitances of a MOSFET, and/or may be implemented via additional capacitors, which are connected in parallel with switches S₁ and S₂. On the other hand, diodes D_(A1) and D_(A2) may represent the body diodes of a MOSFET, and/or may be implemented via additional diodes.

In the presently considered embodiment, converter 12 moreover comprises a transformer T, including a primary winding T1 and a secondary winding T2. Specifically, transformer T may be modelled as an ideal transformer having a given ratio of the number of turns 1:n, an inductor L_(M) which represents the magnetising induction of transformer T, an inductor L_(R2) which represents the leakage inductance, which are mounted on the primary side of transformer T. Generally speaking, converter 12 may also comprise other inductors, which are connected in series and/or in parallel with primary winding T1 and/or secondary winding T2 of transformer T.

Specifically, primary winding T1 of transformer T and at least one capacitor C_(RP) are connected in series between the intermediate point between both electronic switches S₁ and S₂ and the first output terminal 110 and/or the second input terminal, which represents a first ground GND₁. Specifically, in the presently considered embodiment, the first terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T is connected (e.g. directly) to the intermediate point between both electronic switches S₁ and S₂. On the contrary, the second terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T is connected through at least one capacitor C_(RP) to the first input terminal and/or to ground GND. Therefore, switches S₁ and S₂ may be used for selectively connecting the first terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T to voltage V_(in) or to ground GND₁.

On the secondary side, the converter comprises three branches which are connected (preferably directly) in parallel, wherein

a) the first branch comprises a first capacitor C_(RS) connected in series with secondary winding T2 of transformer T,

b) a second branch comprising diode D, and

c) a third branch comprising an inductor L_(o) connected in series with output 106/GND₂.

In various embodiments, a second capacitor C_(o) may be connected in parallel with output 106/GND₂. Such a capacitor is optional and may be used, for example, in the case of a resistive load, in order to keep output voltage constant, but in the case of a LED load the voltage of the load is constrained by the LED voltage itself, and therefore the capacitor may be omitted.

Specifically, in the presently considered example, a first terminal of secondary winding T2 is connected (e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D, and the second terminal of secondary winding T2 is connected (e.g. directly) via capacitor C_(RS) to the anode of diode D. Moreover, a first terminal of inductor L_(o) is connected (e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D, and the second terminal of inductor L_(o) is connected (e.g. directly) to the positive terminal of the output, and the negative terminal of the output may be connected (e.g. directly) to the anode of diode D.

As previously stated, typically the converter is sized so that it exhibits a desired efficiency at high output voltages, while ensuring the ZVS condition for S₁/S₂ and the ZCS condition for diode D also at low output voltages.

However, in the case of low output voltages, the ZCS condition for the output diode may be lost, because the on-time of switch S₂ may be too long, therefore causing a higher oscillation in the current flowing through diode D. Specifically, as described in document PCT/IB2014/064657, such an oscillation is influenced (inter alia) also by the value of capacitance C_(RS) connected in series with secondary winding T2.

Specifically, such additional oscillation is generated also when the value of capacitor C_(RS) is too low for the specific operating condition. Therefore, this phenomenon may be avoided, e.g., by varying the capacitance of capacitor C_(RS) as a function of the operating condition of converter 12.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment a main capacitor C_(RS1) may be used for high output voltages, and a further capacitor C_(RS2) may be connected, e.g. via an electronic switch S₃, such as an n-channel MOSFET, in parallel with the first capacitor C_(RS1), so that the value of equivalent capacitance C_(RS) may be increased, thereby increasing in turn the oscillation period.

For example, in various embodiments, control circuit 112 may monitor the duration of the time interval during which switch S₂ is closed, and may drive switch S₃ in such a way as to increase the value of capacitance C_(RS) if such duration exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, switch S₃ may be closed for low values of the output voltage, which is linked to the ratio of the durations S1 to S2. As a matter of fact, in the presence of a low output voltage, the duration of S₂ becomes longer, so that if capacitor C_(RS2) were not present a higher oscillation would be generated, with a consequent loss of the ZCS condition for diode D.

In this regard, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the driving signal V_(G2) for switch S₂ and current I_(D) flowing through the diode respectively for C_(RS)=C_(RS1) (FIG. 5A) and C_(RS)=C_(RS1)+C_(RS2) (FIG. 5B). Specifically, in FIG. 5A, switch S₂ is opened when current I_(D) flowing through the diode is not zero.

FIG. 6 shows a complementary embodiment, wherein the variation regards the inductance of the resonant circuit. For example, in the presently considered embodiment, an inductor L_(RS) with variable inductance is connected in series with primary winding T1 and/or secondary winding T2. For example, in the presently considered embodiment an inductor L_(RS1) is connected in series with capacitor C_(RS), wherein said inductor L_(RS1) may be selectively short-circuited, e.g. via an electronic switch S₄, such as an n-channel MOSFET. Therefore, when the output voltage is high, switch S₄ is closed, and when the output voltage is low, switch S₄ is opened.

The solutions described in the foregoing enable therefore varying the resonance of electronic converter 12 so that, even at low output voltages, the switching of switches S₁/S₂ may take place at zero voltage (ZVS) and switch S₂ is opened when the current flowing through diode D amounts to zero (ZCS).

Therefore, by correctly sizing capacitors C_(RS1) and C_(RS2) (or inductor L_(RS1)), converter 12 may be used for a wider output voltage/current range. Generally speaking, it might also be possible to employ a higher number of selectively activatable capacitors of inductors, or in general a capacitor C_(RS) or inductor L_(RS) having variable capacitance/inductance. The solutions described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 may also be combined.

However, in the previously described solutions, it is necessary to employ an additional electronic power switch (S₃ and/or S₄) as well as a control unit (e.g. unit 112) which detects the operating condition of converter 12, and varies the value of capacitance C_(RS) and/or of inductance L_(RS) as a function of the detected condition.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment which is adapted to adjust the resonance period of converter 12 automatically.

Specifically, in the presently considered embodiment, converter 12 is based once again on the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 3, and comprises an additional block 14 which substantially implements a charge pump.

Specifically, this charge pump comprises a capacitor C₁ and two diodes D₁ and D₂.

In detail, in the presently considered embodiment, a first terminal of capacitor C₁ is connected (e.g. directly) with a first terminal of capacitor C_(RS) (i.e. the intermediate point between capacitor C_(RS) and secondary winding T2), the second terminal of capacitor C₁ is connected (e.g. directly) with the cathode of diode D₁ and the anode of diode D₁ is connected (e.g. directly) to the second terminal of capacitor C_(RS) (i.e. ground GND₂). Finally, the anode of diode D₂ is connected (e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D₁ (i.e. the intermediate point between capacitor C₁ and diode D₁) and the cathode of diode D₂ is connected with the positive output terminal, e.g. with the intermediate point between inductor L_(o) and capacitor C_(o).

Therefore, in the presently considered embodiment, diode D₁ is closed (and capacitor C₁ is discharged) if the voltage across capacitor C₁ exceeds the voltage across capacitor C_(RS) (while neglecting the voltage drop at diode D₁). On the other hand, diode D₂ is closed (and capacitor C₁ is charged) if the voltage across capacitor C_(RS) exceeds the sum of the voltage across capacitor C₁ and the output voltage V_(o), or the voltage across capacitor C_(o) (while neglecting the voltage drop at diode D₁).

In this case, too, control unit 112 is configured for driving switches S₁ and S₂ of the half-bridge with the following phases, which are repeated periodically:

-   -   during a first time interval Δt1 switch S₁ is closed and switch         S₂ is opened;     -   during a second time interval Δt2 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is opened;     -   during a third time interval Δt3 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is closed;     -   during a fourth time interval Δt4 switch S₁ is opened and switch         S₂ is opened.

In this regard, FIG. 8 shows the waveforms of some signals during these driving phases for a low output voltage. Specifically, FIGS. 8a-8g respectively show:

a) driving signal V_(G1) for switch S₁ and driving signal V_(G2) for switch S₂,

b) current I_(C1) flowing through capacitor C₁,

c) current I_(CRS) flowing through capacitor C_(RS),

d) current I_(out) supplied to capacitor C_(o) and the load (e.g. the LED lighting module 20), i.e. I_(out)=i_(o)+I_(Co),

e) voltage VCRs across capacitor C_(RS),

f) current I_(P) flowing through primary winding T1 of transformer T, and

g) voltage V_(CDS1) across switch S₁ (specifically between drain and source).

Specifically, in the presently considered embodiment it is assumed for simplicity that secondary winding T2 has the same number of turns as primary winding (i.e. n=1). However, this operating mode also applies to other ratios, by replacing the parameters with equivalent ones, from the primary or the secondary side.

Moreover, capacitor C_(RP) is assumed to have a capacitance which is higher than the capacitance of capacitor C_(RS) (preferably much higher, i.e. C_(RP)>>C_(RS)). Preferably, also capacitor C₁ has a capacitance which is higher than the capacitance of capacitor C_(RS) (preferably much higher, i.e. C₁>>C_(RS)). For example, in various embodiments capacitors C_(RP) and C₁ substantially have the same capacitance. Finally, in various embodiments, magnetising inductance L_(M) is higher than the inductance of inductor L_(o) (i.e. L_(M)>L_(o)). For example, in various embodiments, magnetising inductance L_(M) is 200 uH (microhenry) to 10 mH (millihenry). On the contrary, the inductance of inductor L_(o) may be 10 uH to 2 mH.

At a time t0, switch S₁ is closed and switch S₂ stays opened. Specifically, in the presently considered embodiment, switch S₁ is closed at zero voltage at time t0 (see FIG. 8g ).

During this operating phase (M1), only diodes D_(A1), D_(A2), D₂ and D are opened. The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase is shown in FIG. 9A.

Therefore, current I_(P) flowing through primary winding T1 of transformer T increases substantially linearly (see FIG. 8f ) and a corresponding current flows through secondary winding T2, which discharges capacitor C_(RS) (see FIGS. 8c and 8e ).

Generally speaking, when the variation of voltage V_(CRS) to capacitor C_(RS) reaches the value of output voltage V_(o), capacitor C1 is discharged, too, i.e. diode D₁ is closed. Specifically, diode D₁ is typically opened at time t0 and is closed when the voltage at capacitor C_(SR) falls below the voltage at capacitor C₁, which is supposed to be V_(o). For example, in the presently considered embodiment, such a value amounts to 90V.

For example, this is visible in FIGS. 8b and 8c around time t1, because current I_(C1) flowing through capacitor C₁ rapidly becomes negative, i.e. capacitor C₁ is conducting, and the width of current I_(CRS) flowing through capacitor C_(RS) decreases as the latter discharges.

At a time t1 switch S₁ is opened. For example, control unit 112 may open switch S₁ when output voltage V_(o) or preferably output current i_(o) reaches a maximum value, or it may vary the duration of interval Δt1 so that the output voltage or preferably the output current corresponds to a desired average value.

During this operating phase (M2) diode D is closed, because the voltage across secondary winding T2 is reversed. The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase is shown in FIG. 9B.

Specifically, during this phase, current I_(P) flowing through primary winding T1 is always positive, which discharges capacitor C_(A2) until diode D_(A1) starts operating. Therefore, after a short interval, diode D_(A1) is closed.

A corresponding current also flows through secondary winding T2, which keeps on discharging capacitors C_(RS) and C₁ (see FIGS. 8b and 8c ). Specifically, such a current oscillates with a resonance period T_(res1) which may be approximated as: T _(res1)=2·π·√{square root over (L _(R,sec)·(C _(RS) +C ₁))}  (1) wherein L_(R,sec) corresponds to the leakage inductance seen from the secondary side.

Subsequently (i.e. at the end of interval Δt2), switch S₂ is closed (at zero voltage, because capacitor C_(A2) has been discharged). Therefore, the circuit keeps on operating as before, the only difference being that on the primary side the circuit is now closed via switch S₂ and not diode D_(A2). Therefore, FIG. 9B also applies to this phase.

As a consequence, at a time t2 current I_(P) flowing through primary winding T1 becomes negative (see FIG. 8f ). From this moment on, diode D₁ reverses its polarity and is opened, i.e. only capacitor C_(RS) is charged (see FIGS. 8b and 8c ). The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of such driving phase (M3) is shown in FIG. 9C.

Therefore, during this phase the current oscillation exhibits a shorter period, approximately corresponding to T_(res2). T _(res2)=2·π√{square root over (L _(R,sec) ·C _(RS))}  (2)

As previously mentioned, during phase M3 only capacitor C_(RS) is charged (see FIG. 8e ). As a consequence, at a time t3, voltage V_(CRS) across capacitor C_(RS) reaches a threshold, whereat diode D₂ is activated, i.e. from time t3 onwards also capacitor C₁ is charged. Such current flowing through diode D₂ is also visible in FIG. 8d , wherein current I_(out) includes a peak during phase M4. The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase (M4) is shown in FIG. 9D.

Specifically, in this phase, the current oscillation once again features the period T_(res1) and capacitors C1 and C_(RS) are charged until, at a time t4, the variation of voltage V_(CRS) across capacitor C_(RS) reaches output voltage V_(o) (e.g. 90 V for the presently considered embodiment), and consequently also current I_(p) reaches zero.

Therefore, in the subsequent phase (M5), diode D₂ is opened and the current oscillates again with a period T_(res2). The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase (M5) is shown in FIG. 9E.

Specifically, during this operating phase, current I_(p) is positive again, and capacitor C_(RS) is therefore discharged (see FIG. 8c ).

Generally speaking, in parallel with phases M2, M3, M4 and M5, inductor L_(o) generates a flow of current towards output 106, which is closed through diode D.

However, during phase M5, the flow of current I_(CRS) discharging capacitor C_(RS) is also closed through diode D, but it runs in the opposite direction through diode D.

Therefore, at a time t5, current I_(CRS) discharging capacitor C_(RS) corresponds to current I_(Lo) supplied by inductor L_(o), and diode D is opened. The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase (M6) is shown in FIG. 9F.

Consequently, from this moment (t5) onwards, components L_(o) and C_(o) are connected in series with secondary winding T2 and capacitor C_(RS), and magnetising inductance L_(M) of the transformer is charged.

In the presently considered embodiment, the duration of interval Δt3 is chosen so that, at the end of period Δt3, current I_(P) flowing through primary winding is negative, or a current is supplied which flows through switch S₂ towards ground GND₁. For example, this condition may be detected via a measure of the current flowing through switch S₂, or by determining the duration via a calculation or empirically for the specific operating condition of converter 12.

As a consequence, at a time t6, switch S₂ is opened and current I_(P) flowing through the primary winding is used to charge capacitor C_(A2), thereby establishing the condition for zero voltage switching of switch S1 at a subsequent time t7 (corresponding to time t0); then the cycle is repeated.

The corresponding equivalent circuit diagram of this driving phase (M7) is shown in FIG. 9G.

Specifically, in this phase, when the voltage at the intermediate point of the half-bridge reaches voltage V_(in), diode D_(A1) may start operating; in other words, from this moment capacitor C_(A2) is no longer charged, while keeping in this way the ZVS condition for switch S₁.

Substantially, in the presently considered embodiment, capacitor C₁ is connected into the circuit (via diode D₁ and diode D₂), when the variation of voltage V_(CRS) at capacitor C_(RS) reaches output voltage V_(o) (a little earlier than time t1 and at time t3).

Therefore, at higher output voltages V_(o), capacitor C_(RS) may store more energy, or the duration between times t3 and t4 during which capacitor C₁ is charged (mode M4) decreases. Moreover, if the variation is lower than output voltage V_(o), capacitor C₁ is not activated.

In this regard, for example, FIG. 10 shows the waveforms of some signals of the same circuit for a higher output voltage. Specifically, FIGS. 10a-10d respectively show:

a) driving signal V_(G1) for switch S₁ and driving signal V_(G2) for switch S₂,

b) current I_(C1) flowing through capacitor C₁,

c) current I_(out) which is supplied to capacitor C_(o) and to the load (e.g. LED lighting module 20), i.e. I_(out)=i_(o)+I_(Co), and

d) voltage V_(CRS) across capacitor C_(RS).

Specifically, in the presently considered embodiment, voltage V_(CRS) across capacitor C_(RS) has a maximum variation of 230V and stays below output voltage V_(o). Therefore, in this embodiment, capacitor C₁ is not used and diodes D₁ and D₂ stay opened.

As a consequence, in the previously considered embodiments, the circuit adjusts automatically to the value of output voltage V_(o) by varying the duration of the interval (t3-t4) during which capacitor C₁ is connected into the resonant circuit, i.e. the duration of mode M4, which enables to extend the duration of time interval Δt3 until current I_(P) flowing through primary winding T1 becomes negative.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details and the embodiments may vary, even appreciably, with respect to what has been described herein by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the extent of protection of the invention as defined by the annexed claims.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changed in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic half-bridge converter, the electronic half-bridge converter comprising: an input comprising two terminals for receiving a first power signal; an output comprising two terminals for providing a second power signal; a half-bridge comprising a first and a second electronic switch connected in series between the two input terminals; a transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, a first capacitor, wherein the first capacitor and the primary winding are connected in series between an intermediate point between the first and the second electronic switch and at least one of the two input terminals; wherein there are at least three branches connected in parallel on a side of the secondary winding comprising: a first branch comprising a diode, a second branch comprising a second capacitor, wherein the second capacitor and the secondary winding are connected in series between the cathode and the anode of the diode; and a third branch comprising an inductor, wherein the inductor and the output are connected in series between the cathode and the anode of the diode; wherein the electronic half-bridge converter further comprises: a third capacitor; a second diode connected between the third capacitor and the second capacitor, wherein the electronic half-bridge converter is configured to close the second diode when the voltage at the third capacitor exceeds the voltage at the second capacitor; a third diode connected between the third capacitor and the output, wherein the electronic half-bridge converter is configured to close the third diode when the voltage at the second capacitor exceeds the sum of the voltage at the third capacitor and the voltage at the output.
 2. The electronic half-bridge converter according to claim 1, comprising a fourth capacitor connected in parallel with the output.
 3. The electronic half-bridge converter according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured for driving the first and the second electronic switch with the following time intervals which are repeated periodically: a first time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is closed and the second electronic switch is opened; a following second time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is opened; a following third time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is closed; and a following fourth time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is opened.
 4. The electronic half-bridge converter according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured for: detecting the current provided through the output of the electronic half-bridge converter; and driving the first and/or the second electronic switch as a function of the detected current.
 5. The electronic half-bridge converter according to claim 4, wherein at least one LED is connected to the output of the electronic half-bridge converter.
 6. A method of operating an electronic converter according to claim 1, comprising: driving the first and the second electronic switch with the following time intervals which are repeated periodically: a first time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is closed and the second electronic switch is opened; a following second time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is opened; a following third time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is closed; and a following fourth time interval, wherein the first electronic switch is opened and the second electronic switch is opened. 